HMS Rifleman was originally a mercantile brig named Telegraph before being acquired by the Royal Navy in 1804. The Navy purchased her with the intention of converting her into a fireship, a type of vessel used to set enemy ships ablaze during naval engagements. She underwent fitting at Deptford between 21 June and 31 August 1804, during which she was prepared for her new role. Commissioned in July 1804 under Lieutenant Peter Rigby, HMS Rifleman served on the Downs station, a strategic maritime area off the southeastern coast of England. In 1806, command was transferred to Lieutenant William Napier, who continued her service in patrolling and enforcing maritime regulations. Notably, in mid-June of an unspecified year, Rifleman detained the vessel Industry, under master Meyer, which was en route from Amsterdam to Virginia. She sent Industry into Dover, demonstrating her role in maritime enforcement during wartime. HMS Rifleman's service was relatively brief, lasting approximately five years. By 27 July 1809, the Principal Officers and Commissioners of His Majesty's Navy offered her for sale at Sheerness, along with another gun-brig named Boxer. The Navy sold her in 1809, marking the end of her naval career. Although her role was primarily as a fireship, her service exemplifies the Navy’s utilization of merchant vessels for auxiliary purposes during the Napoleonic Wars period. Her operational history, including patrols and interceptions, reflects the broader maritime strategies of the Royal Navy during this era. Her construction as a mercantile brig and subsequent adaptation for military use highlight the pragmatic approach of the Royal Navy in expanding its fleet through purchased and repurposed vessels.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.